Fifteen-year-old Joe Beck wasn’t listening as the minister eulogized his uncle but was already planning on what he would have to do as soon as they returned to the Quimby farm. He wasn’t welcome there even before his uncle had died and knew that his cousin John would soon order him to leave.
While he had had a basic idea of where he would go after he left the farm, he didn’t know what he would do with the rest of his life. But he knew for certain that he didn’t want to spend another day where he wasn’t wanted.
It would take a nearby battle to start him down the path to his future.
Most biographies start with birth and then roll through the years as they drift by but that would bore me to death, and I lived through it.
The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.
As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.
My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"
Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.
I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)
"And what did the doctor say?"
"I'll ask him when we get back."
"Yes, you will."
I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.
Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.
So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.
The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.
Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.
Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.
Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.
They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.
They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.
I was disappointed in the writing. The story line is great but the writing came across as simplistic. I am an avid reader and I felt like there could have been more depth and description in the writing. I also came across a lot of errors and missing words that was distracting for me.
As soon as Mr. Petit releases a new book, I stop any book I am currently reading and dive right in to his newest book. I have never been disappointed yet. And I have read all of his books. I think Chris is throwing out a little bait. He is hinting that a saga may be in the works for the next couple books based on these characters. Hurray! I really hope this comes about as I can not get enough of his books. Meanwhile , I am going back to other books til the next one comes out. I am considering re-reading all his books again.
This is a moving story of a young man (Joe)...really a boy...who was rejected by his next of kin. He was on his own and confronted many trials as he made his way through life with many challenges. He made a little care to hold all of his possessions and survived a confrontation between enemies in the Civil War. He was joined in his journey by a mongrel dog and later found a donkey who was left in destroyed barn. These rejects continued on as he made his way to join a wagon train. He found Faith there who had also been unwanted by her family and the family who had purchased her. joe continued to grow in strength and integrity as he and Faith developed a caring relationship. Both Joe and Faith were unwanted teenagers who found love and strength with one another. Joe continued his journey with his handmade cart, the dog, donkey, and Faith as he continued in his journey following the wagon train. There is integrity, love, endurance, encounters with danger and finally, recognition for his maturity. This story ends with marriage between Joe and Faith as they were accepted and valued by the members of the wagon train. This a gentle and enduring story of courage, endurance, integrity and love. Excellent...recommended for all readers.
A great tale of two people that are complete rejects from their families. A sad tale to start, but once Joe and Faith meet up you know it will be a good story. While I am reading I like to try to think of twists and turns the author will use. It's a little game I play while I am reading. A game that never disappoints me. The gap between books was a bummer. Reading a book every day or so causes withdrawal pains when none are forthcoming. I was really excited to see the new book. Now it's back to Rock Creek, his first book, to reread all the books till the next book in the series comes out
Joe proves over and over he is worthy to ride the River, as this exciting story fulfills all demands
Most definitely another five star masterpiece from Mr. Petit, as he leaves no stone unturned in this compassionate revelation of unending exciting stories of how our old American West was probably tamed! No slowdowns when following this young man,as he has to grow up very suckling his role as a scout for a wagon train! No slow downs throughout this compellingly old American western folklore extravaganza! Outstanding storylines throughout the entire series of unending adventures as Joe meets the love of his young life at age 16, and the Author's successful descriptiveness of each new adventure only intensifies as this teenager bows to no one! The Author went above and beyond in his descriptive selections of each and every exciting character selections! Most definitely recommend this compassionately heartwarming series of unending exciting, and definitely heartwarming, renditions of how our old American West was finally conquered! There are no slow downs especially when it comes telling Joe and his on-going success stories that will definitely pacify anyone's demanding expectations!?!😃
This is the first book I've read by this author. After reading all the current John Deacon novels I started searching for more books in the same vein.
Joe Beck is a young boy who lost his parents and was forced to live with his uncle. When his uncle died, he was tossed off the property and forced to find his way in life. The book is set during the early years of the Civil War.
I don't want to spoil the story any more than that. Joe is a good kid who tries to always do the right thing. There are plenty of troubles along the trail from bitter scouts to a strange family with a pregnant wife. I will say that there are some surprisingly modern elements in regard to female sexuality that I wouldn't have expected from a western.
All in all, a great read. I've already started book 2. 5/5* Recommended.
Reads like a television script in that Joe, a 16 yo boy is always the hero and Faith is always the patient, trusting sidekick. The sexual tension was silly and could have been better developed. Mort” was referred to as “Norm” in part of the book. And one of the early admonitions in fiction writing 101 is to “show me, don’t tell me.” Needs to be applied more generously. Lose the he walked here, she walked there. Trust the reader to know that the characters walk. Also it felt like Faith telling Marigold about all the money was going to be a subplot but was just left hanging. It was out of character for her, foolish really. Is CJ Petit a teenager? The author has got a lot of living and maturing to do is my overall take on this book. Most authors, in their book acknowledgements, list a legion of professionals who pull a book to the next level. That is what is needed here.
The first of this author I have read. The characters and storyline were great and I began reading with enthusiasm. Of course Joe and Faith both came from circumstances that tugged at my heart strings and kept me reading. However, for me, there was too much detail about the different firearms and way too much about consummating Joe and Faith's marriage. In fact, the latter of those ruined the book for me. I became so turned off by it that I began just skimming the rest of the book trying to get to something happening such as the deserters and such. I think Joe and Faith's love was wonderful, but the book could have been shortened considerably if the unfortunate difficulty they faced had not been gone on and on about.
I enjoyed this novel about Joe Beck, a 15 year old boy who had been fending for himself for years already. When Civil War battles broke out near his humble shack, It was a good time to leave Missouri for unknown parts. His path led him to some lucky discoveries, and in the spring he left the state in a westerly direction. Although it wax dangerous for an individual to travel solo across the territories, Joe was well armed and a crack shot. As he followed a ways behind an organized wagon train he has to make a choice; continue alone, relying on himself, or get drawn in by the beautiful blond girl tending the livestock. Twists of fate sketch out the plan for his destination. But outside forces are at work inspire of his best intentions.
I had already read the 2nd in the series so knew a little about the characters. This book filled in the beginning of the life of Joe Beck and how he got to the wagon train. His early life was rough after his parents and family died through food poisoned and then living with an aunt whose family did not want him there. He leaves and has a few adventures that were exciting and finally joins a wagon train, falls in love and does some exciting things to earn the respect of the others even though he is just 16 years old. My only negative comment is the manuscript should have been proofed better as there are places where the names are incorrect and some easily fixed grammar errors.
A great start to a series involving the westward expansion of the United States. It might just be a me thing, but I felt like the plot of the book dragged on unnecessarily after what I believe was the climax of the book. It's also kinda weird that Joe is good at everything. He's literally better than anyone else in the story with everything he does. Those are my only criticisms for this book though. The author did such a fantastic job with the description of everything. It felt just detailed enough that I could picture everything clearly, but not so much that I felt like I was reading a textbook. Can't wait for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Joe beck family died And he wasn't wanted by his relatives so he took off west And tried to stay out of the way of the soldiers
However winner captain of the union army fell down before him and rolled down the bank with He's bleeding arm Joe needed to protect him From the confederate who were continually firing at him. So joe picked up the captain's Henry rifle and shot 8 of the confederates before they broke and ran away. That's when the captain's men came for him. Joe was patching up the captain's arm when somebody coughed him over there knocked them out.
I found this a great story with a nice balance of courage, wisdom, and romance. Joe was spun as a self-reliant young man whom nobody could ride rough-shod over. His resourcefulness and moral steadiness made him likable and one to care about throughout the story. Petit's knowledge of the frontier West and wagon trains enriched the plot. Some small-moment passages were too detailed and slowed the pace, so any future revisions might cut out unnecessary character movements and utterances. Still, the book was enjoyable and I will read more of C.J Petit's works. PKB
I enjoyed the story so very much but I enjoy a story without curse words they make me have to add new words but those are stuck in my head . I would enjoy a really good story such as this is without the bad words .I am excited to read the next book and am hoping that it is clean and exciting. Some people like a little smut but I would rather not .I would recommend this series to my adult family and friends but would warn them in advance .thank you for the. story.. .
I can’t wait for the next part of Joe and Faith’ adventure
C.J. Petit Thank you for writing the story of Joe Beck. He is a survivor living on his wit and strength and goodness. Even though he now has married Faith I think he should get another dog along the way. I can’t wait for the next part of their story. I’m so glad you didn’t end it. We need more of his adventure. I’ve read every one of your books and loved them all
I can not begin to describe the emotions I felt reading this book. One of C.J. Petit's talents is drawing the reader in and experiencing the emotions of each character. As for his apology for being such a long book at the end I for one can not accept this apology because I loved every single word and I deeply thank this author for being so brilliant!! I can't wait for the next installment!!
The trauma of rejection can really put a damper on looking forward to any kind of meaningful future. Yet, Joe Beck and Faith Goodchild are able to relate and build toward a promising future. What will that future be? Whatever it is there will be excitement along the way, surrounded by deep and growing love. Definitely looking forward to "Reunion" to continue the story.
Unwanted is an excellent title and description of this book! Chris Petit is deceased. Chris wrote many a wonderful book and while he may have left notes designing this book, someone else wrote it and not in CJ Petit style at all. Whomever is trying to shadow him is not doing any favors for the outstanding author Chris Petit was and we the readers will suffer. Actually I won't, because I will not read any more and Petit books!
I would give all your books a hundred if I could. I love the way you write. I have read all of your books so far. I loved seeing this book. The story was wonderful. A young couple making a life together. The love and feelings you put into every story is heart warming. I will always keep you in my prayers. You have given me so many memories and history with all your books. Thank you so much for wonderful writting.
Wow!!! Another great story by CJ Petit. Heartbroken at beginning because Joe Beck's uncle and family did not want him. But Joe is a survivor and a very honest young (16 yr old) man. With the instructions from his Dad before he died, he was a sharp shooter. He respected others but had strong feelings when encountered by bad men. Can't wait to read what happens to Joe and Faith in the next books.
I really enjoy Mr Pet it's style of writing. Simple but interesting. I love how the good guys end up in love and on top. I read these books just for pleasure and end up learning about history of our country and a variety of people and situations! I even loved his biography! So sorry for your illness but writing these books is certainly wonderful way to focus and heal. I pray for your improved health
Joe had a difficult childhood. Faith had a difficult childhood. These two teenagers end up on the same Wagon Train and find each other, realizing their lonely days are healed by being together. Their journey has many obstacles and unfamiliar situations, but they persevere leaning on each other. Their journey is exciting and fun. There are three books in this series and I cannot wait to continue their story. But each book is a stand alone read.
The only problem i have with this series is it could have been longer. Not really, but i was a little dissapointed the series ended. The ending was perfect though. It tied in the family and decades covered very well. Great writing. This is the BEST western series i have read. I read several hundreds of books a year and have for over 60 years. Highly reccomend for western fans. The plot and histoical accuracy are impressive.
This the second book that I've read from this author. This was a great story but I have yet to find any book as good as The Debt. Anyway, as said before this was a great story and it looks like there will be follow up stories to add to this one. I look forward to those and will continue reading Petits previously written books. I also very much recommend the reading of this book as well as any of his others.
Another great read by C. J. Petit with a great start to the Beck series. with a great start to the storyline. Looking forward to where the story takes us. The adventures as well as all the bumps in the road the Becks may face as they travel their road of life together. So buckle up and hang on as we take this ride together, if you decide to join me!!!
Book one is a great start to a fantastic series that I have already read several times. I have not watched any television in over 3 years. My evenings consist of reading one of Mr. Petit's books on my Kindle and listening to old Country music on my radio for a couple of hours before I go to sleep. I think my life is perfect without watching any television
If you have ever read anything written by C.J. Petit you know how easy it is to become immersed in his story. Well, this time the story doesn't come to an end, it comes to a pause. This is another great western love story of two young people heading west under very different circumstances only to find out how similar they are
Thank you C J I wasn’t expecting a new book from you are you said that yo7 had written the last but hear we go and I hope you will write many more. The book is about a bloke called just Joe hw led a lonely single life until he met and married a girl who had been lonely & single. A good family book and worth the read. Thanks mate.
Even though I was born in San Antonio, Joe and Faith to me to tears as they moved during the Civil War to a better life in the West. Joe is such a great hero! And Faith is just as strong as the unwanted! Thank you for writing this adventure for a Southern, who'd lives at the beach in North Carolina..... Please continue with with #82!