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The Old Block: A Novel
The Old Block appeals to anyone who understands the coming of age process, who appreciates the complexities of self-discovery, who enjoys touches of humor, and who remembers the experience of a first-love romance.
The Old Block is the latest contemporary fiction by Mark Scott Piper, the author of the award-winning crossover YA novel, You Wish. It takes you on an emotional journey with young Nick Castle, as he sets off on a cross-cultural adventure to unfurl the mystery of his father’s true identity. Along the way, Nick’s quest to discover the truth about his father becomes a journey of self-discovery.
Nick Castle is as close to his father as any son could be. Nick patterns his life, his personality, and his world view after Jim Castle. He is truly a "chip off the old block" and he's extremely proud of it. Nick gets his whole identity from his dad, and when Jim dies in 2012, Nick is devastated.
Jim Castle has left behind a manuscript for Nick's eyes only. It is the story of young Braden Delaney, who gets caught up in a cross-cultural adventure. During the student anti-war protests of 1970, he commits a violent act of rebellion that destroys government property--and ends in the death of an innocent victim. Braden escapes the U.S. to avoid government agents and spends the next 15 years of his life on the run in Central America. Finally, he returns to the States with a new name and identity.
That new identity is a clue that leads Nick to fear that his beloved father and Braden Delaney are in fact the same person. Nick’s suspicion sends him on an emotional quest to prove his dad is not the protagonist of his own story. He retraces the steps of Braden Delaney to find facts that will prove his fear unwarranted and put the mystery of his father’s identity to rest. Nick’s dilemma: If his father is not the man he thought he was, where does that leave his son?
As he pursues his quest to discover the truth about his father, Nick meets Sophie Cole and falls truly in love for the first time in his life. Nick's quest also helps him uncover something else important--his own unique identity--and that opens the door for him to truly become his own man.
The Old Block is the latest contemporary fiction by Mark Scott Piper, the author of the award-winning crossover YA novel, You Wish. It takes you on an emotional journey with young Nick Castle, as he sets off on a cross-cultural adventure to unfurl the mystery of his father’s true identity. Along the way, Nick’s quest to discover the truth about his father becomes a journey of self-discovery.
Nick Castle is as close to his father as any son could be. Nick patterns his life, his personality, and his world view after Jim Castle. He is truly a "chip off the old block" and he's extremely proud of it. Nick gets his whole identity from his dad, and when Jim dies in 2012, Nick is devastated.
Jim Castle has left behind a manuscript for Nick's eyes only. It is the story of young Braden Delaney, who gets caught up in a cross-cultural adventure. During the student anti-war protests of 1970, he commits a violent act of rebellion that destroys government property--and ends in the death of an innocent victim. Braden escapes the U.S. to avoid government agents and spends the next 15 years of his life on the run in Central America. Finally, he returns to the States with a new name and identity.
That new identity is a clue that leads Nick to fear that his beloved father and Braden Delaney are in fact the same person. Nick’s suspicion sends him on an emotional quest to prove his dad is not the protagonist of his own story. He retraces the steps of Braden Delaney to find facts that will prove his fear unwarranted and put the mystery of his father’s identity to rest. Nick’s dilemma: If his father is not the man he thought he was, where does that leave his son?
As he pursues his quest to discover the truth about his father, Nick meets Sophie Cole and falls truly in love for the first time in his life. Nick's quest also helps him uncover something else important--his own unique identity--and that opens the door for him to truly become his own man.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2020
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Mark Scott Piper
6 books33 followersMark Scott Piper has been writing professionally his entire adult life. He is a longtime freelance writer and video director/producer. Mark holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Oregon, and he taught literature and writing at the college level for several years. He is a member of the California Writers Club, Redwood Writers.
Mark’s bookshelves are overflowing. Among his favorites are Christopher Moore, John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Stephen Crane, William Faulkner, Tony Hillerman, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Anne Lamott—all of whom successfully conspire to keep him humble.
His debut novel, You Wish, earned first-place gold in the 2019 American Eagle Book Awards. His second novel, The Old Block, was released in 2020 to enthusiastic reviews. His mystery/thriller, Until Proven Innocent, was published in 2022. His collection of short stories, The Long and the Short of It: 15 Stories, was launched in 2024.
Mark has published several short stories both online and in print.
Mark’s bookshelves are overflowing. Among his favorites are Christopher Moore, John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, Stephen Crane, William Faulkner, Tony Hillerman, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Anne Lamott—all of whom successfully conspire to keep him humble.
His debut novel, You Wish, earned first-place gold in the 2019 American Eagle Book Awards. His second novel, The Old Block, was released in 2020 to enthusiastic reviews. His mystery/thriller, Until Proven Innocent, was published in 2022. His collection of short stories, The Long and the Short of It: 15 Stories, was launched in 2024.
Mark has published several short stories both online and in print.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 22, 2022
Everyone must face the loss of their father. Such is the case with Nick Castle. Nick idolized his father. They did everything together. Nick's dad was his greatest encourager and when his father died, it devastated Nick. After the funeral, Nick discovers a manilla envelope inside a storage unit with a note asking Nick not to open it until he passed away. Upon opening the envelope, Nick discovers a manuscript, and as he begins to read a story about a man named Bradey Delaney, he notices a true likeness to his father. This is where the story takes off.
Nick is determined to fit the puzzle pieces together. If the story turned out to be about his father's past, then he questions whether he ever really knew his father, and begins questioning his own identity as well.
I loved this book. It's a wonderful mystery with twists and turns throughout that keeps you hunkered down in your chair, eager to find out what happens (I could not put it down and read it in one day).
This is also a love story. I loved the characters, the plot, and the creativity. Piper has leaped to the top of my favorite writer's list.
Piper is an amazing author. I read his book You Wish a short time back and loved it as well. The Old Block is even more fun because the story takes place in the state I live in and can identify with all of Nick's wanderings.
A fabulous book that checks all my boxes. I can't wait to read his upcoming book, soon to be released. A five-star winner!! I highly recommend it.
Nick is determined to fit the puzzle pieces together. If the story turned out to be about his father's past, then he questions whether he ever really knew his father, and begins questioning his own identity as well.
I loved this book. It's a wonderful mystery with twists and turns throughout that keeps you hunkered down in your chair, eager to find out what happens (I could not put it down and read it in one day).
This is also a love story. I loved the characters, the plot, and the creativity. Piper has leaped to the top of my favorite writer's list.
Piper is an amazing author. I read his book You Wish a short time back and loved it as well. The Old Block is even more fun because the story takes place in the state I live in and can identify with all of Nick's wanderings.
A fabulous book that checks all my boxes. I can't wait to read his upcoming book, soon to be released. A five-star winner!! I highly recommend it.
January 17, 2023
The Old Block – Mark Scott Piper
The Old Block is a cleverly written story within a story. Author Piper's story begins as we explore the loving relationship between a son and his dad. The Castles own and operate a family-run bookstore. The dad succumbs to cancer. His dad leaves a secret manuscript for his son Nick. He eagerly dives into reading the manuscript. He is amazed at how well his dad could have written such a detailed story without any writing experience. Nick had little to no knowledge of his dad's personal history before he married his mother. The mystery begins when Nick seeks the truth about his dad's history and takes the story on a journey with many twists and turns. There are elements of action-adventure, mystery, and romance. A real page-turner.
Author Piper's writing skill describes scenes so realistic you will feel like you are a witness in the story. I gave The Old Block the highest 5 Star rating for creating an entertaining and emotional read. I tip my hat to this master writer! I also just ordered… You Wish, by Mark Scott Piper, for my next reading adventure.
The Old Block is a cleverly written story within a story. Author Piper's story begins as we explore the loving relationship between a son and his dad. The Castles own and operate a family-run bookstore. The dad succumbs to cancer. His dad leaves a secret manuscript for his son Nick. He eagerly dives into reading the manuscript. He is amazed at how well his dad could have written such a detailed story without any writing experience. Nick had little to no knowledge of his dad's personal history before he married his mother. The mystery begins when Nick seeks the truth about his dad's history and takes the story on a journey with many twists and turns. There are elements of action-adventure, mystery, and romance. A real page-turner.
Author Piper's writing skill describes scenes so realistic you will feel like you are a witness in the story. I gave The Old Block the highest 5 Star rating for creating an entertaining and emotional read. I tip my hat to this master writer! I also just ordered… You Wish, by Mark Scott Piper, for my next reading adventure.
March 15, 2023
Nick has enjoyed a deep relationship with his father over the years. A bond that turned from parent to mentor as Nick became an adult and worked along side his father in the family business, Book Castle. Now, as he wrestles with the overwhelming grief in the wake of his father's death, he remembers a package and a promise.
Before his death, Jim Castle entrusted Nick with a private package of papers to be opened only after he is gone. Unsure if the message it contains will help him through this trying time or not, Nick takes a day off to read it.
Has his dad written a manuscript or a journal? Nick isn't sure but he is determined to find out and heads out on a solitary road trip to discover the truth. What he ultimately discovers is himself, the part of him that is more than "a chip off the old block".
A warmly written fiction of family dynamics that gives the reader two stories in one.
Before his death, Jim Castle entrusted Nick with a private package of papers to be opened only after he is gone. Unsure if the message it contains will help him through this trying time or not, Nick takes a day off to read it.
Has his dad written a manuscript or a journal? Nick isn't sure but he is determined to find out and heads out on a solitary road trip to discover the truth. What he ultimately discovers is himself, the part of him that is more than "a chip off the old block".
A warmly written fiction of family dynamics that gives the reader two stories in one.
March 30, 2023
A compelling read if a bit of a slow start as Nick ponders his looks and his recently deceased father, but very soon the pages turn, the next not quickly enough. This is a mystery, not so much to the reader as to the protaganist who we begin to like and know as he finds the clues, determines a direction, and in the end makes us proud. Well written, the characters, bold and colorful, jump off the page and become as your nextdoor neighbor--the one who lends you his tools.
Mark Scott Piper is an exceptional story teller whose command of the language amazes the reader, and his insight into the human condition brings autenticity to his yarns. One can identify and engage, become a part of the story with hope and cheer as appropriate.
This is a tightly written book, story moves quickly, is simply written, and the nuances in stosy are easily and pleasantly discerned. The result: pure enjoyment.
Mark Scott Piper is an exceptional story teller whose command of the language amazes the reader, and his insight into the human condition brings autenticity to his yarns. One can identify and engage, become a part of the story with hope and cheer as appropriate.
This is a tightly written book, story moves quickly, is simply written, and the nuances in stosy are easily and pleasantly discerned. The result: pure enjoyment.
July 20, 2023
A story unfolds, but can it be true?
Who, if truth be told was Nick Castle’s father? On the face of it he was a bookshop owner with a desire to write a novel. He never spoke of his early years, but when he dies of prostate cancer, he leaves a manuscript. Nick reads it, and begins to wonder if it’s not fiction at all, but fact. A journal-come-diary detailing a student rebellion, a homicide, and a young man on the run who is forced to leave the love of his life to escape the law. Nick is intrigued, and sets out on a journey of discovery to retrace the steps of his father’s protagonist.
Mark Scott Piper is a most accomplished writer with the ability to hold the reader captive page after page—I couldn’t put the book down! Beautifully written and presented, THE OLD BLOCK easily sits within the top ranks of five-star thriller novels. Highly recommended.
Who, if truth be told was Nick Castle’s father? On the face of it he was a bookshop owner with a desire to write a novel. He never spoke of his early years, but when he dies of prostate cancer, he leaves a manuscript. Nick reads it, and begins to wonder if it’s not fiction at all, but fact. A journal-come-diary detailing a student rebellion, a homicide, and a young man on the run who is forced to leave the love of his life to escape the law. Nick is intrigued, and sets out on a journey of discovery to retrace the steps of his father’s protagonist.
Mark Scott Piper is a most accomplished writer with the ability to hold the reader captive page after page—I couldn’t put the book down! Beautifully written and presented, THE OLD BLOCK easily sits within the top ranks of five-star thriller novels. Highly recommended.
May 10, 2022
THE OLD BLOCK felt like an adventure with a friend. The story line was both unique but familiar, like hearing it unfold in a shared space. I enjoyed the descriptions of the myriad characters and the multitude of settings. This is not a boring book and I found myself putting off chores to read just one more chapter. This is a feel-good experience that doesn't drag the reader too deeply into the negative unless it serves a purpose to do so. I recommend it to readers who like a good story that brings a "happy tears" ending.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews