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Catboat Road
Catboat Road is The Graduate meets Catcher in the Rye.
For Candace “Ace” Ragsdale, Mrs. Forest is an irresistible force of nature: luscious, tantalizing—and maybe not completely out of reach.
The backdrop is the Massachusetts seaside town of Horton, cut off from the world. On the surface, boats sway on their moorings, while below bubbles a primal brew of salt and sea life—much like the Ragsdales, a decidedly modern family whose humor and goodwill skim breezily above an ocean of smoldering emotions.
The Ragsdales aren’t moored to social convention—but they’ve learned to surf the wave of the unfamiliar and make the most of chaos. From Ace’s womanizing-yet-worshipful brother to her elusive-yet-loving parents, we watch this well-meaning family weave its way into a rich tapestry of townspeople, often to comic effect.
Into this infinite chaos careens a rebel grandmother who shows up to help the Ragsdales save the town windmill, whose mysterious energy whips up the coastal disturbances of a changing world. As this spectacle of public conflict and private anguish unfolds, we’re fully on Ace’s side as she pilots the turbulent waters of love, sex, and traditional small-town values.
For Candace “Ace” Ragsdale, Mrs. Forest is an irresistible force of nature: luscious, tantalizing—and maybe not completely out of reach.
The backdrop is the Massachusetts seaside town of Horton, cut off from the world. On the surface, boats sway on their moorings, while below bubbles a primal brew of salt and sea life—much like the Ragsdales, a decidedly modern family whose humor and goodwill skim breezily above an ocean of smoldering emotions.
The Ragsdales aren’t moored to social convention—but they’ve learned to surf the wave of the unfamiliar and make the most of chaos. From Ace’s womanizing-yet-worshipful brother to her elusive-yet-loving parents, we watch this well-meaning family weave its way into a rich tapestry of townspeople, often to comic effect.
Into this infinite chaos careens a rebel grandmother who shows up to help the Ragsdales save the town windmill, whose mysterious energy whips up the coastal disturbances of a changing world. As this spectacle of public conflict and private anguish unfolds, we’re fully on Ace’s side as she pilots the turbulent waters of love, sex, and traditional small-town values.
- GenresRomance
220 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 6, 2022
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rounds
1 book3 followersKate Rounds is a veteran journalist who grew up on the Massachusetts coast. She's been a freelance writer, staff reporter, staff writer, and editor in chief of a trade publication. Rounds hit her stride at Ms. Magazine where she was Senior Editor, News Editor, and Gloria Steinem’s editor, putting her in the orbit of great feminist writers, artists, and thinkers.
From there Rounds went on to be Executive Editor at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she connected with stellar activists and brave advocates for women’s health and safety. She also spent last fifteen years as Editor in Chief of the Hudson Reporter, mentoring young reporters cutting their teeth on local news.
Rounds lives in Jersey City without a cat. Her novel, Catboat Road, was published by Bywater Books in September of 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 17, 2022
Kate Rounds has created an unconventional story set in a staid and fictionalized New England small town of Horton. Candace “Ace” Ragsdale is seventeen years old and lusting after her mother’s best friend while trying to figure out her future. Her laid back family and uptight town residents provide a chaotic backdrop for this romance.
The writing is exquisite and you will be hard pressed to recognize Catboat Road as a debut novel. It is quirky, slyly satirical and outlandishly amusing.
I received an advance review copy from Bywater Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing is exquisite and you will be hard pressed to recognize Catboat Road as a debut novel. It is quirky, slyly satirical and outlandishly amusing.
I received an advance review copy from Bywater Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2022
Catboat Road has been described as The Graduate meets Catcher in the Rye—only with lesbians. It’s part coming of age and part romantic comedy. It contains captivating, entertaining storytelling that reflects the rich diversity one finds in society today. This is the kind of storytelling that Bywater Books believes in and takes pride in publishing. It’s also why I never hesitate to read anything published by Bywater. They recognize talent and produce rich, original stories that readers can truly enjoy.
Catboat Road is a debut novel for Kate Rounds, but it doesn’t read like one. There is so much to appreciate. Unconventional and daring at times, it pushes boundaries that might make many nervous. Yet, the writing is so sharp and intuitive, one can not turn away. Rounds has fun with this story, and the result is a highly engrossing, comedic tale well-worth picking up.
Even though Rounds has spent her whole career rearranging and scripting words, I found it very surprising that her resume didn’t include a full length novel. Storytelling is certainly her forte and Catboat Road is an impressive effort. This book reads like it’s been penned by an accomplished bestselling novelist. It’s solidly constructed and utilizes a strong, immersive narrative. The characters are original and diverse, driving the story forward purposefully. This is first-rate storytelling, the kind that charms and delights till the very end.
Final remarks…
Catboat Road is an endearing, offbeat tale, one that’s hard to put down. Rounds is a natural born storyteller and I hope to see much more of her work.
Strengths…
Well-written
Charming, memorable characters
Brilliant, unconventional storytelling
Subtle, well-placed humor
Catboat Road is a debut novel for Kate Rounds, but it doesn’t read like one. There is so much to appreciate. Unconventional and daring at times, it pushes boundaries that might make many nervous. Yet, the writing is so sharp and intuitive, one can not turn away. Rounds has fun with this story, and the result is a highly engrossing, comedic tale well-worth picking up.
Even though Rounds has spent her whole career rearranging and scripting words, I found it very surprising that her resume didn’t include a full length novel. Storytelling is certainly her forte and Catboat Road is an impressive effort. This book reads like it’s been penned by an accomplished bestselling novelist. It’s solidly constructed and utilizes a strong, immersive narrative. The characters are original and diverse, driving the story forward purposefully. This is first-rate storytelling, the kind that charms and delights till the very end.
Final remarks…
Catboat Road is an endearing, offbeat tale, one that’s hard to put down. Rounds is a natural born storyteller and I hope to see much more of her work.
Strengths…
Well-written
Charming, memorable characters
Brilliant, unconventional storytelling
Subtle, well-placed humor
September 6, 2022
Healthy doses of cacti and high colonics could improve parenting, cut back on misogyny’
New Jersey author Kate Rounds earned her master’s degree in Creative Writing from Goddard College and is a veteran journalist, having served in the roles of editor for Ms Magazine, Planned Parenthood, and Hudson Reporter. CATBOAT ROAD is her debut novel, tersely summarized as ‘A teenager falling in love with their best friend’s saucy mom is awkward. A teenage lesbian having a torrid sexual relationship with their best friend’s saucy mom is a serious taboo. Doing both in a small, conservative seaside community cut off from the rest of the world is a recipe for a social disaster of epic proportions. Or, is it?’
Rounds takes a serious subject and makes it ring with both laughter and tenderness. A hint of her style is present as the story opens: ‘From our position on the stairs, Sawyer and I could see Mrs. Forest sitting on a stool in our kitchen, sobbing. Our mother – Willamena “Bill” Ragsdale – had a dishrag on her shoulder, as if Mrs. Forest might projectile-spit, like a baby, onto her shirt. Bill removed it to dry a wineglass; it squeaked and sang as she wiped the rim. Mrs. Forest watched like she might as well be dead. “It’s so clichéd,” she said. Mrs. Forest’s husband Lee was cheating on her with some chick in his office…’ And Rounds lifts her baton and the following story ‘happens’ - ‘For Candace “Ace” Ragsdale, Mrs. Forest is an irresistible force of nature: luscious, tantalizing—and maybe not completely out of reach. No one in her family is moored to social convention—but they’ve each learned to surf the wave of the unfamiliar and make the most of chaos. From Ace’s womanizing-yet-worshipful brother to her elusive-yet-loving parents, we watch this well-meaning family weave its way into a rich tapestry of townspeople, often to comic effect. The backdrop is the Massachusetts seaside town of Horton, cut off from the world. On the surface, boats sway on their moorings, while below bubbles a primal brew of salt and sea life—much like the Ragsdales, a decidedly modern family whose humor and goodwill skim breezily above an ocean of smoldering emotions. Into this infinite chaos careens a rebel grandmother who shows up to help the family save the town windmill, whose mysterious energy whips up the coastal disturbances of a changing world. As this spectacle of public conflict and private anguish unfolds, we’re fully on Ace’s side as she pilots the turbulent waters of love, sex, and traditionally non-traditional small-town values.’
Surprises on every page, this is a titillating tale that simply rings with energy – a fine new LGBT story that is accessible to everyone. Highly recommended.
New Jersey author Kate Rounds earned her master’s degree in Creative Writing from Goddard College and is a veteran journalist, having served in the roles of editor for Ms Magazine, Planned Parenthood, and Hudson Reporter. CATBOAT ROAD is her debut novel, tersely summarized as ‘A teenager falling in love with their best friend’s saucy mom is awkward. A teenage lesbian having a torrid sexual relationship with their best friend’s saucy mom is a serious taboo. Doing both in a small, conservative seaside community cut off from the rest of the world is a recipe for a social disaster of epic proportions. Or, is it?’
Rounds takes a serious subject and makes it ring with both laughter and tenderness. A hint of her style is present as the story opens: ‘From our position on the stairs, Sawyer and I could see Mrs. Forest sitting on a stool in our kitchen, sobbing. Our mother – Willamena “Bill” Ragsdale – had a dishrag on her shoulder, as if Mrs. Forest might projectile-spit, like a baby, onto her shirt. Bill removed it to dry a wineglass; it squeaked and sang as she wiped the rim. Mrs. Forest watched like she might as well be dead. “It’s so clichéd,” she said. Mrs. Forest’s husband Lee was cheating on her with some chick in his office…’ And Rounds lifts her baton and the following story ‘happens’ - ‘For Candace “Ace” Ragsdale, Mrs. Forest is an irresistible force of nature: luscious, tantalizing—and maybe not completely out of reach. No one in her family is moored to social convention—but they’ve each learned to surf the wave of the unfamiliar and make the most of chaos. From Ace’s womanizing-yet-worshipful brother to her elusive-yet-loving parents, we watch this well-meaning family weave its way into a rich tapestry of townspeople, often to comic effect. The backdrop is the Massachusetts seaside town of Horton, cut off from the world. On the surface, boats sway on their moorings, while below bubbles a primal brew of salt and sea life—much like the Ragsdales, a decidedly modern family whose humor and goodwill skim breezily above an ocean of smoldering emotions. Into this infinite chaos careens a rebel grandmother who shows up to help the family save the town windmill, whose mysterious energy whips up the coastal disturbances of a changing world. As this spectacle of public conflict and private anguish unfolds, we’re fully on Ace’s side as she pilots the turbulent waters of love, sex, and traditionally non-traditional small-town values.’
Surprises on every page, this is a titillating tale that simply rings with energy – a fine new LGBT story that is accessible to everyone. Highly recommended.
May 14, 2023
From page one you know author Kate Rounds is smart. The writing is sharp, the story holds your attention, the characters jump off the page, the setting is pure New England, and the age-gap affair is palpable. (I should know, I’ve been in one). “Catboat Road” is an incredibly written and highly entertaining novel that I could not put down. Pick it up.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews