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Up a Tree
Sometimes you have to voyage to the ends of the earth to find your way home...
The trouble begins for young Ruby and his best friend, Quinn, after an accident in the forest outside their rural Adirondack hometown. Their attempt to cover-up their mistake ignites a local skirmish with one of the most influential families in America and leads to Ruby's death—or so everyone thinks. Plenty alive and sensing an adventure, Ruby disappears and soon weaves his way across the country in a series of narrow escapes from danger. Journeying from the Adirondacks, through New York City, and into the heart of the American West, Ruby and Quinn discover the importance of true friendship, the meaning of family, and the immensity of the world beyond their backyards.
The trouble begins for young Ruby and his best friend, Quinn, after an accident in the forest outside their rural Adirondack hometown. Their attempt to cover-up their mistake ignites a local skirmish with one of the most influential families in America and leads to Ruby's death—or so everyone thinks. Plenty alive and sensing an adventure, Ruby disappears and soon weaves his way across the country in a series of narrow escapes from danger. Journeying from the Adirondacks, through New York City, and into the heart of the American West, Ruby and Quinn discover the importance of true friendship, the meaning of family, and the immensity of the world beyond their backyards.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2021
About the author
Richard M. Brock
3 books13 followersRichard M. Brock is the author of the acclaimed blues thriller, Cross Dog Blues, as well as the picaresque adventure, Up a Tree, and the all-new wilderness thriller, Hurricane Canoe. Lauded by Kirkus Reviews as “true brilliance” and “an exhilarating exercise in suspense,” his novels have an average Amazon review of over 4.5 stars. Originally from the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, he and his wife now live in Colorado. Follow along at Facebook.com/RichardMBrockAuthor or learn more at www.RichardMBrock.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 16, 2021
This reads like somewhat of a cross between Middle-Grade to YA story, but is categorized as everything from General Fiction Adult to Children’s Action and Adventure. It is set in the more-or-less present time, but never seems like anything close to the present from the boys' expressions / language to the improbability of the story and how it unfolds.
As this story begins, twelve year-old Ruby Finn Heckler of Hackers Loon, New York, a small town in the Adirondack Mountains, is being interrogated by the FBI. They are demanding that he testify. The story then quickly returns to the beginning of Ruby’s story, the day when Ruby and his best friend Quinn Hennessey accidentally shoot a deer with a rifle they “borrowed,” and then end up dragging the deer to the lumber mill, leaving it there in the belief that someone will want it. When the owner of the lumber mill finds it, he claims it was left there as a warning by the Mexican cartel, and wastes no time spreading that rumour, as well as spreading fear meant to drum up votes for his preferred candidate. Unsurprisingly, a church is burned down soon after in order to place blame on yet another group, Muslim terrorists. The church where Ruby was inside just before the fire was started. Somehow, a rumour is spread that he was killed in this event. Instead of returning home to reassure everyone, he runs away, afraid that he would be tied to this act, and when he goes missing - after getting on a bus, ending up in Albany, and then Hoboken, NJ, he meets some pretty colourful people along the way, including the man on the bus who Ruby strikes up a conversation with, a just released prisoner who tries hard to convince Ruby he can’t be his friend. But his adventure doesn’t end there, either, as Quinn joins him and together they make their way across the country to Nebraska, hoping to find some cowboys. They do meet some real characters, a man called Douglas ‘Lodgepole’ Pine and his Helical Unfolded militia.
This is promoted as being a modern day Huck and Finn, but it doesn’t feel all that modern, although the adventure they go on has slightly more modern conveniences than the pre Civil-War times of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Still, it doesn’t feel set in present times, at least for the most part the story could easily be set anytime from the 1930’s to maybe the late 1940’s, with some small exceptions. Still, it was entertaining, more in some parts than others - even if mostly difficult to believe - and Ruby and Quinn are definitely characters you'll want to root for.
Published: 02 Feb 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Bogie Road Publishing
February 18, 2021
3 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
I was interested in this book because it was described as Mark Twain-like and I really like his style of writing. While I could see what the author was attempting to do with this book, it fell short for me. I think had Ruby stayed in and around his hometown, rather than venturing to NYC and other far off places, the story would have resonated more with me. Although I am quite certain that 12 year olds could and do take off and end up thousands of miles away from home, the way this story was told made it seem quite far-fetched. I understand that part of the point was that it's common for young people to stretch the truth (like Tom and Huck), but the point could have been made more subtly than two 12 year olds making it all the way to San Francisco.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bogie Road Publishing. All opinions in this review are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
I was interested in this book because it was described as Mark Twain-like and I really like his style of writing. While I could see what the author was attempting to do with this book, it fell short for me. I think had Ruby stayed in and around his hometown, rather than venturing to NYC and other far off places, the story would have resonated more with me. Although I am quite certain that 12 year olds could and do take off and end up thousands of miles away from home, the way this story was told made it seem quite far-fetched. I understand that part of the point was that it's common for young people to stretch the truth (like Tom and Huck), but the point could have been made more subtly than two 12 year olds making it all the way to San Francisco.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bogie Road Publishing. All opinions in this review are my own.
October 29, 2020
FROM THE AUTHOR: UP A TREE is the forced FBI testimony of a young boy named Ruby Heckler, a hard-scrabble orphan from a tiny town in the Adirondack Mountains who “accidentally” runs away from home and stumbles into the middle of a combustible national conflict. Ruby doesn’t want to be there with the police, telling his “rotten story,” but they’re making him, so he’ll give them exactly what they’re asking for: the truth, the whole truth, so help him God—like it or not. He’s our unfiltered twelve-year-old selves talking back to us. He’s my favorite character I’ve ever written.
“A perfect... Mark Twain-style... Tom and Huck for the 21st century. True brilliance... in the finest American tradition.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Take a little Huck Finn, add in some Forrest Gump, mix in some wild and crazy travel adventures... and enjoy yourself.” —NetGalley Review
“Read it as a page-turner, enjoy the magical realism when it crops up, and stew on the harder questions posed, but by all means, buy this book!” —NetGalley Librarian Review
Sometimes you have to voyage to the ends of the earth to find your way home...
The trouble begins for young Ruby and his best friend, Quinn, after an accident in the forest outside their rural Adirondack hometown. Their attempt to cover-up their mistake ignites a local skirmish with one of the most influential families in America and leads to Ruby's death—or so everyone thinks. Plenty alive and sensing an adventure, Ruby disappears and soon weaves his way across the country in a series of narrow escapes from danger. Journeying from the Adirondacks, through New York City, and into the heart of the American West, Ruby and Quinn discover the importance of true friendship, the meaning of family, and the immensity of the world beyond their backyards.
Told through the spirited and unspoiled eyes of an orphan from the northern woods, this modern-day Huck Finn is broadly entertaining and humorous on its surface while tapping into a much deeper dialogue about life in America.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
“A perfect... Mark Twain-style... Tom and Huck for the 21st century. True brilliance... in the finest American tradition.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Take a little Huck Finn, add in some Forrest Gump, mix in some wild and crazy travel adventures... and enjoy yourself.” —NetGalley Review
“Read it as a page-turner, enjoy the magical realism when it crops up, and stew on the harder questions posed, but by all means, buy this book!” —NetGalley Librarian Review
Sometimes you have to voyage to the ends of the earth to find your way home...
The trouble begins for young Ruby and his best friend, Quinn, after an accident in the forest outside their rural Adirondack hometown. Their attempt to cover-up their mistake ignites a local skirmish with one of the most influential families in America and leads to Ruby's death—or so everyone thinks. Plenty alive and sensing an adventure, Ruby disappears and soon weaves his way across the country in a series of narrow escapes from danger. Journeying from the Adirondacks, through New York City, and into the heart of the American West, Ruby and Quinn discover the importance of true friendship, the meaning of family, and the immensity of the world beyond their backyards.
Told through the spirited and unspoiled eyes of an orphan from the northern woods, this modern-day Huck Finn is broadly entertaining and humorous on its surface while tapping into a much deeper dialogue about life in America.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
December 2, 2020
This book was pure madness!! I couldn't believe how much had happened to our main character in the first quarter of the book! The description I had read was a modern day Huck Fin and that's spot on! Although as you work your way through the story the events got more and more far fetched it was still a fun read. The only thing I'd say was I expected more of an FBI file book - with other people's accounts of the events. Instead it was just Ruby's. Still a fun and quick read!
February 5, 2021
Reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, these two twelve-year-olds, Ruby and Quinn live in the Adirondacks and spend their time playing cowboys, pirates, and other games typical of boys their age. But when Quinn "borrows" a shotgun and they accidentally kill a deer, they drag it to the local mill and leave it there to hide the fact they were responsible. But this sets off a chain reaction of violence and a bombing which leaves evidence that Ruby is dead. He's not but of course he runs...and his journey takes him many colorful places like the capitol and New York City where he meets many people and has some fantastical adventures. Finally reunited with Quinn and his hometown, Ruby learns some valuable lessons about friendship, family, and the world outside his realm. It's a cool coming-of-age story for modern times.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
January 11, 2021
I hate to rain on this praise parade, but I couldn't make it through reading the book. I truly hope that young adults do not read this book. I don't think that a single paragraph was written without taking the Lord's name in vain. That might be considered modern day language, but I consider it offensive and completely unnecessary. This to me, was a testament as to how sad our society had become. Wish I could have liked it.
I was invited to read this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was invited to read this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2021
That was a wild ride! Hold onto your seats because this book will grab you and drag you along for a ripper of a good tale!
Ruby and Quinn are 12-year-old boys living in rural Hackers Loon, NY, who dream of being pirates and going on adventures. When they have an accident and make a mistake trying to cover it up, they get their wish. The boys set off on a cross-country adventure that reads like a Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn tale for the modern day.
Once the action begins, it is non-stop until the very end. This one kept me awake into the wee hours of the morning, reading because I could not put it down. Some parts are unbelievable, but it is fiction, so that’s the point. It’s just a really fun tale!
As the adventurers make their way, they encounter various people and expand their horizons about the world outside their small community, and the wider social and environmental issues others deal with every day. They learn about corporate greed, environmental destruction, homelessness, racism, countercultures, and so much more. Through it all, Ruby, the narrator, maintains a positive outlook on life and yearns for more adventure.
Written in the voice of a 12-year-old who grew up in a relatively isolated rural area, the story shows our heroes coming of age on the road, much like Tom and Huck. They get into countless scrapes and find their way out them, making their way steadily westward. The scene with them frolicking in the Pacific Ocean was my favorite. I could just imagine their joy at finding the ocean and celebrating a successful journey where they got to be cowboys and more.
This book would be great for teachers to use in their classrooms to introduce some of the social issues. There are plenty of opportunities for good class discussions around the many themes touched on in this book.
I give this one a solid five stars. It certainly was, as Ruby would say, a ripper of a good tale!
Ruby and Quinn are 12-year-old boys living in rural Hackers Loon, NY, who dream of being pirates and going on adventures. When they have an accident and make a mistake trying to cover it up, they get their wish. The boys set off on a cross-country adventure that reads like a Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn tale for the modern day.
Once the action begins, it is non-stop until the very end. This one kept me awake into the wee hours of the morning, reading because I could not put it down. Some parts are unbelievable, but it is fiction, so that’s the point. It’s just a really fun tale!
As the adventurers make their way, they encounter various people and expand their horizons about the world outside their small community, and the wider social and environmental issues others deal with every day. They learn about corporate greed, environmental destruction, homelessness, racism, countercultures, and so much more. Through it all, Ruby, the narrator, maintains a positive outlook on life and yearns for more adventure.
Written in the voice of a 12-year-old who grew up in a relatively isolated rural area, the story shows our heroes coming of age on the road, much like Tom and Huck. They get into countless scrapes and find their way out them, making their way steadily westward. The scene with them frolicking in the Pacific Ocean was my favorite. I could just imagine their joy at finding the ocean and celebrating a successful journey where they got to be cowboys and more.
This book would be great for teachers to use in their classrooms to introduce some of the social issues. There are plenty of opportunities for good class discussions around the many themes touched on in this book.
I give this one a solid five stars. It certainly was, as Ruby would say, a ripper of a good tale!
January 22, 2021
I received an arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't like it much. The blurb seemed so intriguing but the story just fell flat. One major problem with the book was the timeline. I couldn't figure out when the book was set. I couldn't relate with the characters. It was more of a children's story than YA or general fiction.
I didn't like it much. The blurb seemed so intriguing but the story just fell flat. One major problem with the book was the timeline. I couldn't figure out when the book was set. I couldn't relate with the characters. It was more of a children's story than YA or general fiction.
December 3, 2020
I was intrigued and excited about this book, but I'm afraid to say it wasn't for me. Whilst I understand the Tom Sawyer links I felt that the book was somewhat lost. Firstly I wasn't sure when this was set. It felt like tom sawyer but appeared to be modern, but the characters seemed dated and Ruby's adventures and attitude felt like something out of an 80s children's book.
For me the book lacked substance. This GS happened but there was no real development and the 2 bits walk from o e problem to another but never really seem to be in any danger. It felt almost naive. Now yes, this is what made sawyer and Finn irresistible characters but set in modern times this simplistic, childish view of the world if don't seem to work for me. The story is reasonably well written, and the characters likeable enough but I felt no comeraderie with anyone and found the story overly simplistic.
Not for me but I'm sore others will enjoy it.
For me the book lacked substance. This GS happened but there was no real development and the 2 bits walk from o e problem to another but never really seem to be in any danger. It felt almost naive. Now yes, this is what made sawyer and Finn irresistible characters but set in modern times this simplistic, childish view of the world if don't seem to work for me. The story is reasonably well written, and the characters likeable enough but I felt no comeraderie with anyone and found the story overly simplistic.
Not for me but I'm sore others will enjoy it.
Want to Read
February 9, 2021What a brilliant, touching coming of age tale. This should be a required reading novel for all ages. Wonderful characters and a story that will stay with you. I've seen comparison to Huck and Finn, but this novel stands apart on its own. Brilliant.
February 17, 2021
I had a lot of fun with this one, and having read Huck Finn not too long ago, I can see the retelling the author intended, although I'm not sure I would consider it modern. It was hard to tell the time period, honestly, but it felt much more like the 80s to me (when I grew up). And just like in the original, Ruby (our Huck Finn) is often drawn into trouble by his best friend Quinn (our Tom Sawyer). The general structure is similar too--Ruby gets drawn into trouble and is thought to be dead and rather than coming out and telling everyone, he ends up on an adventure, partly because he's afraid of the people who apparently killed him. At some point, he gets Quinn to join him and they get drawing into crazier adventures, in large part because it's so easy for him to say yes to Quinn, who is a talker just like Tom Sawyer. Are the adventures believable? Well, perhaps not, but it's part of the fun. The language is very salty, for those who might find offense, but to me, it often feels like boys who are cussing for the fun of it, not because they mean any ill will. Although the adults around them don't exactly curb their tongue, lol. I don't want to talk too much about their adventures because of spoilers, but there was one thing that confused me. The book is structured so that at the beginning, Ruby is asked by the FBI to give a statement about what has happened, and that's when Ruby tells his whole tale about what happens to him. But at the end, the FBI asks, "But what about so and so?" which tells you why the FBI is asking for his statement. But you never figure out what happens to some of the bad guys (you never find out what happens to any of the people Ruby and later Quinn come across along the way), and that was a little unsatisfying because I wanted to know if the bad guys would be caught.
However, that said, I liked what happens with Ruby as well as the lesson about what family actually means, especially because he is an orphan. This is definitely worth reading, especially if you're looking for one of those "tall tales" that's just fun to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However, that said, I liked what happens with Ruby as well as the lesson about what family actually means, especially because he is an orphan. This is definitely worth reading, especially if you're looking for one of those "tall tales" that's just fun to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 25, 2021
Honestly, I had a hard time getting going on this one at first. Once I got into it I loved it! It's told from the point of view of a rambling 12 year old boy, who is telling the FBI his side of a story. As his story unfolds, we see all of the crazy adventures he and Quinn got into when their town thought they were dead. The craziness they managed to find was really entertaining, even though they almost got themselves killed for real a few times. I have an almost 12 year old boy, and reading this was like listening to him telling a story. The author did a great job getting into the voice of a 12 year old boy. This was a fun read and good for all ages.
February 7, 2021
Woah, Nellie! This is one heck of a great read for older folks in middle school, and yes, even teens and adults. This was a rip-roaring read from the very start and sure to hold the reader’s attention as the two protagonists go from small-town dreamers to Big Time adventurers. Tucked in the center of the book are themes worth discussing, including the nature of good and evil, the responsibility of society to take care of its own, and the natural tug between wanting corporations to make a profit and safe-guarding the environment, to name just a few. This reader had a hard time putting the book down. It has been compared to Huckleberry Finn, and that is a safe assessment. Read it as a page-turner, enjoy the magical realism when it crops up, and stew on the harder questions posed, but by all means, buy this book! #upatree Disclosure: I was given a galley of this book, but my review stands even if I had paid for the copy.
February 22, 2021
"The Adventures of Huck Finn" reimagined for today's current socio-political scene and with two intrepid 12 year old rebels hilariously leading the charge! Richard M. Brock was definitely channeling his inner MarkTwain in this his second independently published novel "Up A Tree."
A quick, yet thought-provoking read for those who like a spot on satirical take on the adult world as seen through the eyes of a child. Brock conveys our divided, eco-unfriendly world through an eclectic and somewhat quirky set of secondary characters who move the story forward every bit as much as his main characters ~ best buddies for life Ruby Finn Heckler and Quinn Hennessey. These twelve year olds are truly fearless and hilarious in turns! They keep the story moving and definitely provide some of the wiser observations on an oft times unexplainable adult world.
Many thanks to the author, Richard M. Brock, for offering a free e-book to me through the NetGalley platform in exchange for an honest and independent review. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as both an homage to Twain and as an exploration of more serious societal issues. And like his characters Ruby and Quinn, Brock's story has me thinking about my perfect "road name!" Lol! (Working options are currently under serious consideration.😁)
#UpATree
#NetGalley
A quick, yet thought-provoking read for those who like a spot on satirical take on the adult world as seen through the eyes of a child. Brock conveys our divided, eco-unfriendly world through an eclectic and somewhat quirky set of secondary characters who move the story forward every bit as much as his main characters ~ best buddies for life Ruby Finn Heckler and Quinn Hennessey. These twelve year olds are truly fearless and hilarious in turns! They keep the story moving and definitely provide some of the wiser observations on an oft times unexplainable adult world.
Many thanks to the author, Richard M. Brock, for offering a free e-book to me through the NetGalley platform in exchange for an honest and independent review. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as both an homage to Twain and as an exploration of more serious societal issues. And like his characters Ruby and Quinn, Brock's story has me thinking about my perfect "road name!" Lol! (Working options are currently under serious consideration.😁)
#UpATree
#NetGalley
February 6, 2021
What a fun book! It is rated for middle school or older, but I received a note that it was intended for adults. I think it would be fine for mature teens. I laughed out loud in a few places. Ruby is a hoot. I was not fond of Quinn but he serves his purpose as a sidekick. The story finds plenty of interesting characters from the east coast to the Pacific Ocean.
A great young adult book in the vein of Huck Finn. A wild adventure making dreams come true for two 12-year-old boys. This story provides a wonderful escape fr the world we are currently living in. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Bogie Road Publishing through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under n obligation to do so.
A great young adult book in the vein of Huck Finn. A wild adventure making dreams come true for two 12-year-old boys. This story provides a wonderful escape fr the world we are currently living in. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Bogie Road Publishing through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under n obligation to do so.
February 2, 2021
Modern-ish Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer Type Tale
This story is just a hoot. Told exactly like a 12-year-old boy would tell it. This takes place in more modern times without video games, in the Adirondacks and elsewhere. The boys get into great mischief and take us along for the ride. 'Finding' a .22 rifle in a neighbor's shed, making a fort from a car relic, accidentally shooting a deer, and generally getting into tween mischief. Then, things get serious! This is a fun story for anyone who was a boy, wanted to be a boy, or has a boy. Or for any reader who had great and colorful childhood aspirations. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
This story is just a hoot. Told exactly like a 12-year-old boy would tell it. This takes place in more modern times without video games, in the Adirondacks and elsewhere. The boys get into great mischief and take us along for the ride. 'Finding' a .22 rifle in a neighbor's shed, making a fort from a car relic, accidentally shooting a deer, and generally getting into tween mischief. Then, things get serious! This is a fun story for anyone who was a boy, wanted to be a boy, or has a boy. Or for any reader who had great and colorful childhood aspirations. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.
February 1, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Bogie Road Publishing for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
I struggled with this book. There were a couple things that made it hard for me to finish. First, I’m not sure what the target audience was for this book. It says general fiction but it reads like a children’s or teen book. The character and the situations that Ruby finds himself in seem geared to a younger age set. But then there is the language. This makes it seem like it is an adult book but without the complex story line to hold the attention of an adult.
My second issue is the voice of Ruby and the flow and pace of the story. I have mentioned the language already but the other stereotypes of the area seem glaring to me. I also struggled to place this story in a time period. I thought we were in the 50’s or so and then there would be something to make me think it was modern day— neither time period seemed to ring true throughout the story. The pace of the story seemed fast and loud. I often felt like it was screaming at me rather than leading me on a journey. I struggled with the writing composition in general.
I struggled with this book. There were a couple things that made it hard for me to finish. First, I’m not sure what the target audience was for this book. It says general fiction but it reads like a children’s or teen book. The character and the situations that Ruby finds himself in seem geared to a younger age set. But then there is the language. This makes it seem like it is an adult book but without the complex story line to hold the attention of an adult.
My second issue is the voice of Ruby and the flow and pace of the story. I have mentioned the language already but the other stereotypes of the area seem glaring to me. I also struggled to place this story in a time period. I thought we were in the 50’s or so and then there would be something to make me think it was modern day— neither time period seemed to ring true throughout the story. The pace of the story seemed fast and loud. I often felt like it was screaming at me rather than leading me on a journey. I struggled with the writing composition in general.
January 25, 2021
This novel is so cute & filled with innocence. You will really enjoy this book if you can accept the adventure story as told by a very young 12-year-old boy with a curious mind. Yes, an adult can enjoy this book every bit as much as a YA reader may enjoy it. It’s refreshing to read stories from a child’s point of view, and Ruby, the main character, is no exception. He’s so accepting and honest. I was cheering him on the whole way. I think many readers will be reminded of Hauck Finn and/or the boys from the movie Stand By Me as comparable characters/situations.
Thank you to #Netgalley, #RichardMBrock, and #BogieRoadPublishing for this refreshing ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to #Netgalley, #RichardMBrock, and #BogieRoadPublishing for this refreshing ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2021
I was excited to read this book because I live in the Adirondacks but as soon as I started reading I was disappointed. I don't know how the author decided on the voice for the character but it's way off. No one in the Adirondacks talks like that. It was like 1940s appalachian and very stereotyped at that. I honestly couldn't even read the book because it was so bad.
Update: After being contacted by the author I have learned that he grew up in the Adirondacks and modeled the main character after himself. He stands by his voice as authentic. Perhaps he had his friends did speak like that growing up as he claims but this book is set post 9/11 which makes it fairly recent, and as a person currently living in a small adirondack town I stand by my opinion that the voice is inauthentic and in my opinion insulting. At the authors request I gave his book another chance and finished it. This did not improve my opinion of it. In addition to the stereotyped voice of Ruby, there was in my opinion boderline racist stereotyping as well. The story is completely unbelievable and the writing is simplistic. I don't know who the target audience is, maybe YA/middle grades as the main character is 12, but I would not be comfortable with my child reading so much unnecessary swearing.
Update: After being contacted by the author I have learned that he grew up in the Adirondacks and modeled the main character after himself. He stands by his voice as authentic. Perhaps he had his friends did speak like that growing up as he claims but this book is set post 9/11 which makes it fairly recent, and as a person currently living in a small adirondack town I stand by my opinion that the voice is inauthentic and in my opinion insulting. At the authors request I gave his book another chance and finished it. This did not improve my opinion of it. In addition to the stereotyped voice of Ruby, there was in my opinion boderline racist stereotyping as well. The story is completely unbelievable and the writing is simplistic. I don't know who the target audience is, maybe YA/middle grades as the main character is 12, but I would not be comfortable with my child reading so much unnecessary swearing.
January 24, 2021
Oh, how I tried to like this book. It had so much promise! From the concept to the FBI and all the action. It is very fast-paced. However, parts of it didn't make sense. An early example is that boys would go hunting and haven't ever been with an adult to know what hunting is actually like. That was pretty awful. The story is told by Ruby, who's stuck with a girl's name and his parents are dead so he doesn't even know why he has this name, nor has he tried to change it. What really did me in was that this can't be a children's book in any way, shape, or form. I can not get past the LANGUAGE. While the premise was a good one and the adventure all over the place, Huckleberry Finn had morals and no language like this. It made me sad because I had high hopes for this grand adventure that sort of got lost and rambled around. That would have been okay too, had it not had an ending that didn't feel right, and had cleaner dialogue.
My copy came from Net Galley. This is my honest review of this book.
My copy came from Net Galley. This is my honest review of this book.
February 5, 2021
Reminiscent of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, these two twelve-year-olds, Ruby and Quinn live in the Adirondacks and spend their time playing cowboys, pirates, and other games typical of boys their age. But when Quinn "borrows" a shotgun and they accidentally kill a deer, they drag it to the local mill and leave it there to hide the fact they were responsible. But this sets off a chain reaction of violence and a bombing which leaves evidence that Ruby is dead. He's not but of course he runs...and his journey takes him many colorful places like the capitol and New York City where he meets many people and has some fantastical adventures. Finally reunited with Quinn and his hometown, Ruby learns some valuable lessons about friendship, family, and the world outside his realm. It's a cool coming-of-age story for modern times.
February 18, 2021
I'm going to be honest, this book did not do it for me. I grew up in the Adirondacks, and have heard many stories from my siblings, father and uncles about the the things they used to get up too. I had really high hopes for this book, thinking it was going to be along the lines of those stories, and it sort of was at first. It was hard to read because the little boy who was narrating had the habit of rambling, or going of on theses tangents and then taking you back to the main story. So it was hard to follow. I will say that there is a content warning: if swearing bothers, you don't read this. I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't get into it.
May 3, 2021
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the description of this book as a modern Huck Finn. I wouldn't go quite that far, but there are commonalities.
The book starts in the Adirondack Mountains where I live. That got my attention. The two boys, Ruby and Quinn are a delightful, precocious boys who run away and get into major mischief. Their friendship is one that is sure to be a classic, they are very, very funny together. I don't often actually laugh out loud while reading a book, but I did more times than I can count.
What kept me from giving this 5 stars is that the boys don't actually seem to be living in the 21st century, though I know they are. I think the author would have been better served setting this in the late 20th century, though the ending would have to be reworked.
And speaking of the ending, what was that? I didn't get it, though to be fair I finished the book at 2:30 am, so I could have just been really tired.
I was intrigued by the description of this book as a modern Huck Finn. I wouldn't go quite that far, but there are commonalities.
The book starts in the Adirondack Mountains where I live. That got my attention. The two boys, Ruby and Quinn are a delightful, precocious boys who run away and get into major mischief. Their friendship is one that is sure to be a classic, they are very, very funny together. I don't often actually laugh out loud while reading a book, but I did more times than I can count.
What kept me from giving this 5 stars is that the boys don't actually seem to be living in the 21st century, though I know they are. I think the author would have been better served setting this in the late 20th century, though the ending would have to be reworked.
And speaking of the ending, what was that? I didn't get it, though to be fair I finished the book at 2:30 am, so I could have just been really tired.
June 19, 2021
This story reminds me a little bit of the movie The Goonies. In a limited sense. It is a very limited comparison. The Goonies had a small crew of adventure inclined kids who step into business that they shouldn’t be involved in and this story mostly just has Ruby Heckler. 12 year old Ruby is an orphan being raised in a small, rural New York town. Ruby is a typical 12 year old looking for his place in the world, while simultaneously having a boundless imagination in which the world is full of pirates and cops and robbers and Ruby is missing out on all of it. So when Ruby is witness to something he shouldn’t see, he falls into an accidental adventure that will carry him from rural New York to San Francisco. This story does a good job of blending together the inner narrative of a 12 year old with the often complex world of adult politics. This is a fun adventure tale that is at times funny and sad and nail biting. It’s also a super quick read and if you have a free day you could probably finish in one sitting. Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2021
This is a Mark Twain-like book about the adventures of two small town twelve year old boys, Ruby and Quinn, updated to the 21st century. I started to read it thinking I might buy a copy for my twelve year old grandson, who I am always encouraging to read books. About half way through the book I decided that it is geared more to adults, or at least a person 15 or older.
The author is skilled at creating descriptions of people and places - - I could easily conjure them up in my mind's eye. The story was engaging, but (spoiler alert) left me wanting to see Ruby, in conjunction with Lodgepole, peacefully bring down the the Timber Value Corporation and the Glennelichh family.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bogie Road Publishing for the opportunity to read a digital galley of this book.
The author is skilled at creating descriptions of people and places - - I could easily conjure them up in my mind's eye. The story was engaging, but (spoiler alert) left me wanting to see Ruby, in conjunction with Lodgepole, peacefully bring down the the Timber Value Corporation and the Glennelichh family.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bogie Road Publishing for the opportunity to read a digital galley of this book.
January 22, 2021
This was a fun middle-grade read. Like the blurb said, it was a Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn type adventure story and read as such. The situations were a bit far fetched, but enjoyable. The ending, however left me flat. I wanted to know more about what the FBI was interrogating Ruby about. The 'bombing of the Church? Lodgepole and his ranch? What was the final result? Too many questions were unanswered and left me hanging. All of a sudden it ended with Aunt Jane magically appearing and none of the loose ends tied up. If not for the abrupt end, I would have given this book a 4 rating. I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2021
An updated version of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn taking on bigger social issues, felt a bit forced for me with the main characters of Ruby and Quinn being written as from long before the time frame in which the story is told.
The boys end up on a cross country adventure just made for Pirates and Cowboys as a result of witnessing a bombing of a church. Ruby connects with many a colorful character and eventually the two boys connect and are on the run. The story of the adventures are recounted by Ruby to the authorities. In the retelling, the value of family, friends, and dreams solidify for the boy.
The boys end up on a cross country adventure just made for Pirates and Cowboys as a result of witnessing a bombing of a church. Ruby connects with many a colorful character and eventually the two boys connect and are on the run. The story of the adventures are recounted by Ruby to the authorities. In the retelling, the value of family, friends, and dreams solidify for the boy.
February 1, 2021
Richard M. Brock's UP A TREE suffers from knowing what it wants to be but not quite attaining it. The comparison to Twain's Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn is accurate, but -- as other reviewers have mentioned (I checked just to see if I was totally clueless or not) -- struggles to define its target readership (I'd say grades 6-9, though the language would be inappropriate). And though the story has a timeless quality I had to keep reminding myself that the story is set in the present day and not the 1970s or '80s.
3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)
I received an eARC from Bogie Road Publishing through NetGalley, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.
3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)
I received an eARC from Bogie Road Publishing through NetGalley, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.
March 5, 2021
Ruby and Quinn are the modern-day Tom and Huck. At age 12, they're up to no good. Just boys being boys. They're wanna-be outlaws. And suddenly, they wind up on a cross-country adventure, meeting tons of friends--and bad guys--along the way. This book is full of wit, and just might make a great read for parents as well as their middle schoolers. (If you don't mind some language).
I loved it up until about half-way through, and then I was happily ready for the adventure to end.
This is my voluntary review. Special thanks to Bogie Road Publishing, Ltd. for an advanced reader copy via NetGalley.
I loved it up until about half-way through, and then I was happily ready for the adventure to end.
This is my voluntary review. Special thanks to Bogie Road Publishing, Ltd. for an advanced reader copy via NetGalley.
December 12, 2025
Modern-day Huck Finn story about 2 boys encountering trouble & adventure. Lovable, absorbing story, very much in the mold of Mark Twain's books; but at times it seems almost like a knock-off in its unnecessary adherence to trivial details (an orphaned protagonist who lives w/an old-maid type of figure again, for example). I really wanted to like this book. REALLY! But it becomes irritating. Then when the boys *** SPOILER ALERT *** shoot a mother deer w/a rifle, in front of its two little babies: well, that's enough for me. Into the consignment bag it goes. I'll stick w/Mark Twain, thank you.
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