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Exit 14
Life couldn’t be more confusing for high school sophomore Gabriel DeMarco as he approaches his sixteenth birthday in 1968. In the midst of growing up in a turbulent era which seems less and less stable with each passing day, Gabriel struggles with understanding the world and where he fits in. At least one thing is clear, though. The best way for Gabriel to get from one place to another is the Power of the Thumb. But life gets even more confusing when Gabriel is picked up hitchhiking home from work by an intoxicated senior from a neighboring town -- Daryl Novak, arguably the state’s finest all-around athlete. In the ensuing weeks and months, fateful circumstances draw the introspective Gabriel and the troubled Daryl closer together. Quickly the two boys come to depend on each other. But little does Daryl know that Gabriel has a secret connection to him. And little does Gabriel know that his improbable new friendship with Daryl is one that will change him forever.Exit 14 is Gary Scarpa’s debut novel. A retired educator and theatre founder, Gary divides his time between writing and his other great passion, music. A child of the 1960s, he continues to explore his relationship to art, spirituality, and politics in an effort to understand the impact these have had and continue to have on his life.
334 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2021
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 3, 2021
This was never the author’s story to tell.
While categorized as “fiction,” this is not the true genre of this “novel.” This book is based on the tragic loss of my dad’s brother and sister. The parallels aren’t uncanny—the author simply took our family’s tragedy, renamed the characters, and swapped one area-town for another. As other comments note, Daryl Novak’s death on page 308 even details the scene of my dad’s brother, Peter’s, death. (See review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
No one in our family was consulted during the writing process. They were made aware once the book was published. My dad and his siblings lived this, have had to grapple with it for decades, and now have to relive it, again, because a complete stranger took interest in the immense loss experienced by their family, and exploited it.
Please do not support this book.
While categorized as “fiction,” this is not the true genre of this “novel.” This book is based on the tragic loss of my dad’s brother and sister. The parallels aren’t uncanny—the author simply took our family’s tragedy, renamed the characters, and swapped one area-town for another. As other comments note, Daryl Novak’s death on page 308 even details the scene of my dad’s brother, Peter’s, death. (See review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
No one in our family was consulted during the writing process. They were made aware once the book was published. My dad and his siblings lived this, have had to grapple with it for decades, and now have to relive it, again, because a complete stranger took interest in the immense loss experienced by their family, and exploited it.
Please do not support this book.
August 2, 2021
While reading through the synopsis of this novel, I noted “based off true events” had been intentionally left off, allowing the reader to believe the storyteller (rather than author) had the imagination to develop this work of “fiction” based off of original thoughts. Gary Scarpa tells the real life story of my mother’s sister and brother, and how they tragically lost their lives at a very young age. The storyteller’s inability to consult with the family who have been struggling with this loss all of their lives, and detailing the death of their beloved siblings for the readers enjoyment is simply immoral, unconscionable and shameful.
Growing up, I remember my grandparents referring to Peter and Betsy (Daryl and Susie in this book) as “the kids” as they will forever be memorialized as children. Gary Scarpa chose to exploit the death of these two children by writing his “debut novel”, and in the process benefiting personally and financially.
The real life family of these non-fictional characters ask you to please reconsider buying this book and supporting Mr. Scarpa.
Growing up, I remember my grandparents referring to Peter and Betsy (Daryl and Susie in this book) as “the kids” as they will forever be memorialized as children. Gary Scarpa chose to exploit the death of these two children by writing his “debut novel”, and in the process benefiting personally and financially.
The real life family of these non-fictional characters ask you to please reconsider buying this book and supporting Mr. Scarpa.
August 2, 2021
As a Connecticut native, I had heard of the Goumas family tragedy that took place many years ago.
Although I was surprised to see their story told in the thinly veiled novel, "Exit 14" by Gary Scarpa, I was shocked to learn that no member of the Goumas family -- who still live in the Connecticut Naugatuck Valley area -- was contacted by the author either during his writing of the book or prior to its publication.
I am not a lawyer so I am not qualified to judge whether what Scarpa did was illegal but, in my judgement, it was certainly unethical and insensitive. It must have reopened old wounds for a family that did not deserve this treatment.
Although I was surprised to see their story told in the thinly veiled novel, "Exit 14" by Gary Scarpa, I was shocked to learn that no member of the Goumas family -- who still live in the Connecticut Naugatuck Valley area -- was contacted by the author either during his writing of the book or prior to its publication.
I am not a lawyer so I am not qualified to judge whether what Scarpa did was illegal but, in my judgement, it was certainly unethical and insensitive. It must have reopened old wounds for a family that did not deserve this treatment.
August 2, 2021
My family and the Goumas family have known each other for decades. This book simply retells a families most tragic event from over 50 years ago and has forced the family to relive those tragic years. The story was lifted simply from archived newspaper accounts. Not really a whole lot of work went into that.
I won’t read the book. I know the story. The author should be ashamed of himself.
I won’t read the book. I know the story. The author should be ashamed of himself.
August 4, 2021
Amazon has had so many reviews that the author has gotten them to post only reviews of those who have read the book. I think this is sad that someone would write a book about real life tragic occurrences then call it fiction and make money from it. The family who went through the tragedies should not have to relive all over again.
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August 29, 2021As it was announced by the author, this book was based on real people and events, and has now been unpublished from all platforms at the request of the family of those involved. The author provided me with a free copy for review, however, in light of the current circumstances, I have deleted my reviews here and on Amazon. I do not know anyone involved, as I do not live in the US and have never been to Connecticut, so therefore I was not aware of the tragedy on which this novel was based. My thoughts and sympathies are with the family.
August 4, 2021
The Truth About Exit 14
As may be gleaned from some of the other reviews, Exit 14 is not fiction. Quite the opposite, it is the real life story of the tragic deaths of my sister and brother. On December 27, 1967 my sister 14-year old sister, Betsy, was struck and killed by a car driven by a Derby football player while walking with friends after leaving a church dance in Derby. My brother, Peter, an Ansonia High School junior, was Betsy’s ride home and arrived late to pick her up. The guilt that my brother felt was crushing. A standout three-sport athlete, Peter was unable, both physically and mentally, to continue playing high school athletics. In January 1970, Peter took his own life in a cemetery in Derby, in the exact same horrifying manner as Daryl in Exit 14.
I am the youngest brother of Betsy and Peter. I was born five months after Peter’s death. My next oldest brother, Doug, was only 5 when Peter died. My parents did everything they could to shield Doug and me from the horrific truth, telling us that Pete “got sick and passed away.” It was not until Doug and I were in our teens that we learned the true story. From that point onward it was difficult for me to not look at my parents and think about the unspeakable pain and sorrow that they had endured, but yet they always maintained a loving, happy home and gave their four surviving children the best, most normal childhood they possibly could. My parents’ inner strength and ability to carry on defied explanation.
I am appalled and repulsed by Gary Scarpa’s adoption of my family’s tragic history as the underlying plot for Exit 14. Personally, I found one of the (many) offensive aspects of the book to be how he clearly urges the reader to associate him with Gabe DeMarco, who is desperately trying to help Daryl (my brother, Peter). As Mr. Scarpa has publicly acknowledged, he has “loosely based” Gabe upon himself. Gabe saves Daryl’s life once by pushing him out of the way of an oncoming train, but ultimately can’t save him in the end. Gabe DeMarco (or Gary Scarpa) the almost, would-be hero. In essence, Mr. Scarpa has shamelessly placed himself at the center of my family’s real-life nightmare. I can’t decide whether it’s just incredibly poor judgment or extreme hubris. Either way, Mr. Scarpa, you should be ashamed of yourself.
As may be gleaned from some of the other reviews, Exit 14 is not fiction. Quite the opposite, it is the real life story of the tragic deaths of my sister and brother. On December 27, 1967 my sister 14-year old sister, Betsy, was struck and killed by a car driven by a Derby football player while walking with friends after leaving a church dance in Derby. My brother, Peter, an Ansonia High School junior, was Betsy’s ride home and arrived late to pick her up. The guilt that my brother felt was crushing. A standout three-sport athlete, Peter was unable, both physically and mentally, to continue playing high school athletics. In January 1970, Peter took his own life in a cemetery in Derby, in the exact same horrifying manner as Daryl in Exit 14.
I am the youngest brother of Betsy and Peter. I was born five months after Peter’s death. My next oldest brother, Doug, was only 5 when Peter died. My parents did everything they could to shield Doug and me from the horrific truth, telling us that Pete “got sick and passed away.” It was not until Doug and I were in our teens that we learned the true story. From that point onward it was difficult for me to not look at my parents and think about the unspeakable pain and sorrow that they had endured, but yet they always maintained a loving, happy home and gave their four surviving children the best, most normal childhood they possibly could. My parents’ inner strength and ability to carry on defied explanation.
I am appalled and repulsed by Gary Scarpa’s adoption of my family’s tragic history as the underlying plot for Exit 14. Personally, I found one of the (many) offensive aspects of the book to be how he clearly urges the reader to associate him with Gabe DeMarco, who is desperately trying to help Daryl (my brother, Peter). As Mr. Scarpa has publicly acknowledged, he has “loosely based” Gabe upon himself. Gabe saves Daryl’s life once by pushing him out of the way of an oncoming train, but ultimately can’t save him in the end. Gabe DeMarco (or Gary Scarpa) the almost, would-be hero. In essence, Mr. Scarpa has shamelessly placed himself at the center of my family’s real-life nightmare. I can’t decide whether it’s just incredibly poor judgment or extreme hubris. Either way, Mr. Scarpa, you should be ashamed of yourself.
August 4, 2021
Writing about a local family’s tragedy for financial gain, while not reaching out to the family prior to publication and refusing to do so once requested, is morally reprehensible. This is not fiction as the author states. I will not support an author that demonstrates wanton disregard for others mental and emotional stress.
August 3, 2021
The author totally hijacked a CT family’s worst nightmare. Not sure how he sleeps at night, trying to profit from someone else’s pain. This was not his story to tell.
August 5, 2021
A TRUE FAMILY TRAGEDY SENSELESSLY REVISITED-When Mr. Scarpa chose to write what he calls a book of "fiction" and claims that everything he wrote was simple a product of his sense of creativity and passion for writing his first novel, how wrong he was.I am the sole remaining sister of the two characters "Susie", my sister Betsy, and "Daryl", my brother Peter.I was third in line after these two siblings and have been needlessly forced to revisit two of the most painful and difficult times of my life.
I can remember the day that each occurred and being told by my parents (who have since passed and grateful they do not have to relive the most tragic event of their lives, losing two of their children). I was only 11 and 14 at the time these tragedies occurred, and have tried for decades to erase the pain inflicted when I was still so young, but the magnitude of events such as these, are never far from my mind.
When I heard of this book being published, by one of my brothers, I said, ""Wow, so many similarities," and by brother said, "No, coincidences, this is about our family." I ordered this so called piece of "fiction" as Mr. Scarpa calls it, for my kindle and began reading, but not believing what was before my eyes. It was more than an eerie feeling, seeing details of my own family's lives out there for all to see. What a horrible invasion of our privacy, which no family should have to be subject to, especially when it evolves around such tragedy.
After reading several pages, I found that I had to take a break and put it down. I told my oldest brother that ,"it was just too much to take." I think that the most difficult part to read, that Mr. Scarpa claimed as fiction, was how "Daryl" ended his life.
I can remember my brother who had not yet read the book asking me if Daryl dies in the book.
When I got to that part in my kindle, I truly could not believe what I was reading. I literally shook, had to take a deep breath, and relived every bit of detail as I can remember being written on the front page of the "Evening Sentinel" on the morning of January 24th, 1970. Almost word for word, my brother, Pete's life and self-inflicted death was captured on this page.
I don't know what ever possessed Mr. Scarpa to write this book, and wondered why he carried these memories around with him all of these years?
Did he ever consider that if he had those memories, could he even imagine what how my family has suffered?
Such a senseless travesty...
Christine (Goumas) Seymour
I can remember the day that each occurred and being told by my parents (who have since passed and grateful they do not have to relive the most tragic event of their lives, losing two of their children). I was only 11 and 14 at the time these tragedies occurred, and have tried for decades to erase the pain inflicted when I was still so young, but the magnitude of events such as these, are never far from my mind.
When I heard of this book being published, by one of my brothers, I said, ""Wow, so many similarities," and by brother said, "No, coincidences, this is about our family." I ordered this so called piece of "fiction" as Mr. Scarpa calls it, for my kindle and began reading, but not believing what was before my eyes. It was more than an eerie feeling, seeing details of my own family's lives out there for all to see. What a horrible invasion of our privacy, which no family should have to be subject to, especially when it evolves around such tragedy.
After reading several pages, I found that I had to take a break and put it down. I told my oldest brother that ,"it was just too much to take." I think that the most difficult part to read, that Mr. Scarpa claimed as fiction, was how "Daryl" ended his life.
I can remember my brother who had not yet read the book asking me if Daryl dies in the book.
When I got to that part in my kindle, I truly could not believe what I was reading. I literally shook, had to take a deep breath, and relived every bit of detail as I can remember being written on the front page of the "Evening Sentinel" on the morning of January 24th, 1970. Almost word for word, my brother, Pete's life and self-inflicted death was captured on this page.
I don't know what ever possessed Mr. Scarpa to write this book, and wondered why he carried these memories around with him all of these years?
Did he ever consider that if he had those memories, could he even imagine what how my family has suffered?
Such a senseless travesty...
Christine (Goumas) Seymour
August 4, 2021
This book took a family’s worst nightmare and used it in his book without their permission! It brought back memories from 50 years ago for all of us that knew them! Shameful on the author’s part!
August 5, 2021
From reading the other reviews left for this novel it appears the majority of those who have read or intend to read this book either grew up or currently reside in the area where this novel takes place. While you may have been drawn to the book to experience a sense of nostalgia, it is important you understand this novel exploits a real family that endured incredible tragedy from the area.
The author is claiming a real family’s loss of two children and heartbreak to be “fiction”. He released this novel without ever consulting with the family only to blindside them and make them relive the tragic events decades later.
It’s hard to comprehend how someone can view a family’s lowest point as an opportunity to release a book for fame and financial gain.
The author is claiming a real family’s loss of two children and heartbreak to be “fiction”. He released this novel without ever consulting with the family only to blindside them and make them relive the tragic events decades later.
It’s hard to comprehend how someone can view a family’s lowest point as an opportunity to release a book for fame and financial gain.
August 5, 2021
This book should never have been published. It makes living members of a revered family relive a tragedy of more than fifty years ago. The author takes liberties with supposed facts which are not supportable. No one should purchase this book
August 6, 2021
My now deleted review at Amazon...
Shamelessly based on real events that happened to a classmate and his younger sister
Having read the reviews by the surviving members of a high school classmate (and kid I played football with), it seems clear that this book revisits tragic events that were and remain deeply traumatic for that family, and anyone who knew those two young people.
Other than old newspaper accounts, I don't know how Mr Scarpa gleaned the details that he incorporates into this book, or why now he chose to expropriate them for his own vain purposes, but apparently they bear an uncanny resemblance to two terribly sad events that happened in late 1960's and in 1970. Why Mr. Scarpa chose to fictionalize these dreadful events without consulting the family he so brazenly exploits for profit is anybody's guess.
Some reviewers praise the book as a coming of age story (and sound like the author's friends and family), but those who lived in Ansonia and knew the Goumas family find it an abhorrent exploitation of their unspeakable tragedy.
Pretending this novel is fiction is one thing, not consulting with the surviving family members before writing this book, not adding a disclaimer that it is based on real events, and then reopening this wound for profit is not just utterly exploitative, it is beyond the pale. It must be like a knife in the back.
Shamelessly based on real events that happened to a classmate and his younger sister
Having read the reviews by the surviving members of a high school classmate (and kid I played football with), it seems clear that this book revisits tragic events that were and remain deeply traumatic for that family, and anyone who knew those two young people.
Other than old newspaper accounts, I don't know how Mr Scarpa gleaned the details that he incorporates into this book, or why now he chose to expropriate them for his own vain purposes, but apparently they bear an uncanny resemblance to two terribly sad events that happened in late 1960's and in 1970. Why Mr. Scarpa chose to fictionalize these dreadful events without consulting the family he so brazenly exploits for profit is anybody's guess.
Some reviewers praise the book as a coming of age story (and sound like the author's friends and family), but those who lived in Ansonia and knew the Goumas family find it an abhorrent exploitation of their unspeakable tragedy.
Pretending this novel is fiction is one thing, not consulting with the surviving family members before writing this book, not adding a disclaimer that it is based on real events, and then reopening this wound for profit is not just utterly exploitative, it is beyond the pale. It must be like a knife in the back.
August 5, 2021
Scarpa has taken a family tragedy and is profiting off of their suffering. A good percentage of the book comes directly from news accounts in the local newspaper. Plagiarized words and thinly(very) veiled storyline. This man did not even contact the local family prior to publication. To make this family go through this pain again is unconscionable.
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK.
DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK.
August 29, 2021
The author wrote about a real-life tragedy that affected a wonderful family in my hometown. I cannot believe that Mr. Scarpa would write something so upsetting to so many people. It's definitely not a work of fiction. Please do not read this book.
August 13, 2021
Not a work of fiction. This real life tragedy actually happened to my family. Betsy and Peter Goumas (AKA, Susie and Daryl Novak by Mr. Scarpa), were my cousins. Reliving those events some 50 years later has not been easy. I can only be grateful that my Aunt and Uncle and my own parents do not have to relive this tragedy. This book has generated much grief and sadness for our families. I do not understand how or why Mr. Scarpa could write this and not realize the anguish he would cause our family. Or is it possible that he doesn't care?
August 6, 2021
Did not make a good impression on me so far.
August 10, 2021
We often wonder what drives people to do irrational things. Is it for financial gain, satisfying personal demons or some other need ?
In this case, the author seems to have taken unauthorized liberty to revisit a tragic event and perpetrate an act that only brings grief and sadness to the family and friends of the true people characterized in this so called, fictional novel.
I am hopeful the family will get through this with the same resolve and values that got them through originally.
As I cannot answer my original question about the author, I will not judge or throw well deserved barbs. However I do know, that anyone contemplating the purchase of this writing, should think about the family and what they are experiencing.
I ask all to not purchase this writing.
In this case, the author seems to have taken unauthorized liberty to revisit a tragic event and perpetrate an act that only brings grief and sadness to the family and friends of the true people characterized in this so called, fictional novel.
I am hopeful the family will get through this with the same resolve and values that got them through originally.
As I cannot answer my original question about the author, I will not judge or throw well deserved barbs. However I do know, that anyone contemplating the purchase of this writing, should think about the family and what they are experiencing.
I ask all to not purchase this writing.
August 16, 2021
Not a work of fiction.
While this story is marketed as fiction it is based on a real family’s tragedy. I can’t imagine the grief of losing two siblings, not to mention having it all dragged back up by a guy trying to make a quick buck without the family’s permission.
While this story is marketed as fiction it is based on a real family’s tragedy. I can’t imagine the grief of losing two siblings, not to mention having it all dragged back up by a guy trying to make a quick buck without the family’s permission.
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August 9, 2021Far from fiction - Scarpa is trying to make $$ off a family I know and their tragedy. He’s from the area it happened, has done the research and called it fiction?? FRAUD
April 7, 2021
I was excited to read the debut novel from Gary Scarpa. I grew up in Shelton, CT where much of the novel takes place but this story exists in a different time. It was interesting for me to imagine areas I know well but in the period of the story.
What enjoyed most about Exit 14 was the reader’s relationship with our protagonist, Gabriel, as he navigates this confusing time in his life. The character Scarpa creates is believable and charming so it is a joy to spend almost the whole novel very close to him and see the events unfold through his eyes.
Exit 14 is a quick read and great fit for fans of 1960’s historical fiction touching on the literature, music and civil rights activity of the era.
I understand that the author is working on a new novel, possibly a sequel to this book. I would love to see him develop some of the female characters we meet in this story. I think that is something this story lacked and hoping there are plans to get to know those characters better.
What enjoyed most about Exit 14 was the reader’s relationship with our protagonist, Gabriel, as he navigates this confusing time in his life. The character Scarpa creates is believable and charming so it is a joy to spend almost the whole novel very close to him and see the events unfold through his eyes.
Exit 14 is a quick read and great fit for fans of 1960’s historical fiction touching on the literature, music and civil rights activity of the era.
I understand that the author is working on a new novel, possibly a sequel to this book. I would love to see him develop some of the female characters we meet in this story. I think that is something this story lacked and hoping there are plans to get to know those characters better.
April 9, 2021
Exit 14 will bring you back to your high school memories and remind you that people come in and out of your life for a reason. The main characters, Gabriel and Daryl, form an unlikely friendship. Their journey together is heartfelt, rocky, and life-changing for each of them. They lived through a difficult time in our country’s history, which seems ironic that the book was also written during a difficult time almost 50 years later while we are all trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic and the social and racial inequities that still exist.
Through his words, Gary Scarpa, paints a picture of what life was like back in the 1960s, and you can almost imagine yourself hanging out with Daryl and Gabriel at the local Duchess joint, cheering on the high school football team, and struggling with friendships as if you were right there living your high school days all over again. The relationship between these two young men will remind of the importance of connecting with others, even those who are unlike you. You will be left thinking about how your thoughts, words, and interactions with others can affect those around you even when you least expect it. Exit 14 is definitely worth the read!
Through his words, Gary Scarpa, paints a picture of what life was like back in the 1960s, and you can almost imagine yourself hanging out with Daryl and Gabriel at the local Duchess joint, cheering on the high school football team, and struggling with friendships as if you were right there living your high school days all over again. The relationship between these two young men will remind of the importance of connecting with others, even those who are unlike you. You will be left thinking about how your thoughts, words, and interactions with others can affect those around you even when you least expect it. Exit 14 is definitely worth the read!
May 21, 2021
I was excited to learn that a fellow Valleyite had written a storied about our beloved Valley (to those not familiar with the area, The Valley refers to the Lower Naugatuck Valley in Connecticut). Over the years I’d read several other stories about The Valley and growing up there, but they all seemed to concentrate on diners and boys/young men. So with some anticipation I cracked open the cover of Exit 14, especially since I grew up less than a mile from the Exit 14 (Route 8 in Connecticut) off ramp.
The story centers around 15 year old Gabe DeMarco and his teenaged quest to understand life and his place in it. In spite of the ages-old rivalry between Valley towns, Gabe befriends Daryl, the star football player for Seymour High School. Daryl is on the rails because his younger sister Susie was killed by a drunk driver on her way home from a community dance and he blames himself for her death. Sadly, Gabe had danced with Susie earlier that evening and was imagining her as his girlfriend. Her death marked him profoundly. When Gabe learns that Daryl is on a course of self-destruction, he tries his best to help the former high-school all-star. In the process Gabe learns some intense life lessons.
As the locale for this story is my childhood hometown and surrounding area, I had high hopes that Exit 14 would bring back pleasant memories. In short, it was nice to revisit many of the places that contributed to my youth, however, the perspective was all masculine. Personally, I could have done without all the minute details of every play of a season’s worth of sports, including the stats of the pro teams of the era. I guess that’s a guy thing. I would like to have learned more about The Valley, perhaps a bit of area history and why it has such a vital role in national history, like producing many important people over the centuries.
My pet peeve with this story is the length of paragraphs. There were numerous instances where paragraphs went on for more than a page. By the time I read these, I felt as though I’d run a marathon. Surprised an editor didn’t catch this. But all in all, it was entertaining although not too inclusive of the feminine perspective. A solid debut book for this new Valley Voice.
The story centers around 15 year old Gabe DeMarco and his teenaged quest to understand life and his place in it. In spite of the ages-old rivalry between Valley towns, Gabe befriends Daryl, the star football player for Seymour High School. Daryl is on the rails because his younger sister Susie was killed by a drunk driver on her way home from a community dance and he blames himself for her death. Sadly, Gabe had danced with Susie earlier that evening and was imagining her as his girlfriend. Her death marked him profoundly. When Gabe learns that Daryl is on a course of self-destruction, he tries his best to help the former high-school all-star. In the process Gabe learns some intense life lessons.
As the locale for this story is my childhood hometown and surrounding area, I had high hopes that Exit 14 would bring back pleasant memories. In short, it was nice to revisit many of the places that contributed to my youth, however, the perspective was all masculine. Personally, I could have done without all the minute details of every play of a season’s worth of sports, including the stats of the pro teams of the era. I guess that’s a guy thing. I would like to have learned more about The Valley, perhaps a bit of area history and why it has such a vital role in national history, like producing many important people over the centuries.
My pet peeve with this story is the length of paragraphs. There were numerous instances where paragraphs went on for more than a page. By the time I read these, I felt as though I’d run a marathon. Surprised an editor didn’t catch this. But all in all, it was entertaining although not too inclusive of the feminine perspective. A solid debut book for this new Valley Voice.
May 18, 2021
I really got lost in this book! Scarpa paints such a vivid picture of life in CT in the 1960's for this small community, and his attention to detail is truly mesmerizing. At times I could honestly feel myself walking alongside his protagonist, seeing his world around me and feeling his rollercoaster of emmotions. For someone who loves coming of age stories, this one truly delivers!
June 3, 2021
Nostalgic and touching. A great story.
I enjoyed reading Exit 14. I grew up in Shelton and the valley and vividly remembered those places the author wrote about. The story is tragic but heartwarming. I had to go pull out the old yearbooks ( the Argus) and reminisce about my high school days. Hope Gary Scarpa keeps writing!
I enjoyed reading Exit 14. I grew up in Shelton and the valley and vividly remembered those places the author wrote about. The story is tragic but heartwarming. I had to go pull out the old yearbooks ( the Argus) and reminisce about my high school days. Hope Gary Scarpa keeps writing!
May 14, 2021
An engaging story, very well written and easy to read. I enjoy Gary Scarpa’s style and look forward to more. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.
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September 9, 2021Goodreads members should know that Exit 14 has been unpublished from all sales platforms, and that a public apology has been made to the Goumas family for any pain my novel may have caused them. To access the full public apology, please visit www.garyscarpa.com
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews