Nothing Got Broke

by Larry Slonaker

In Nothing Got Broke, Larry Slonaker does a remarkable thing. He puts you firmly on the Hi-Line of Montana, sends the ceaseless wind swirling around you, gives you a taste of the beer, and sets you up with a view down Main Street and into the hearts, hopes, and broken dreams of the people in that place. That he gets Montana comes shimmering off these pages.... Slonaker reveals it with appropriate measures of reverence and unflinching candor.
— Craig Lancaster, author of And It Will Be a Beautiful Life and 600 Hours of Edward

Doug Rossiter has a secret, and in the spirit of modern Western writers Kevin McCafferty and C. J. Box, Larry Slonaker roots us firmly in today’s Montana as that secret is slowly revealed. Along the way, Slonaker holds up a mirror for us, where we can ponder Rossiter’s ruminations on the truths of Manifest Destiny in the American West, and squirm because they cut so close to the bone.
—Doug Pope, author of The Way to Gaamaak Cove

Larry Slonaker knows the raw world he writes of, in this gritty narrative slashed with liberal dashes of noir. He demonstrates a sharp eye for details that count and a keen ear for dialogue inflected with regional accents.
—Ron McFarland, author of The Rockies in First Person and Appropriating Hemingway

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2022

About the author

Larry F. Slonaker was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, and worked as a writer and editor at the once-renowned San Jose Mercury News, and the still-renowned Stanford University. There were a few stops at never-renowned places as well.

Back in the '80s he had a novel published by Avon. It was re-titled The Voice of the Visitor, bound with a grotesque cover and marketed as a horror novel, which it really wasn't. But that's another story.

He was not using the (seemingly superfluous) middle initial in his name at that time. For more on that, see the blog entry, "Why the F?" at www.larryslonaker.com.

He and his wife live on a (very) small ranch in Northern California with a few horses, a few dogs and the Last Cat Standing.

Reviews

[Barbara Griswold, · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larry Slonaker takes us on a journey with his novel, as we follow a man examining the meaning of his life while investigating an old news story. My warning to readers is that while the story is a very interesting one, but it takes some time to get going. It starts slowly and quietly but do stick with it -- suddenly something is revealed and when it is I guarantee you won't want to put it down.

In addition to being a great story, the book is truly a love letter to the West. Like a great artist, Slonaker paints a vivid picture of the natural beauty of Montana with such detail and affection it is hard not to be moved. A great example is this quote: "The Sun River meandered eastward. It seemed unable to muster the focus necessary to stay consistently close to the road." I also loved "A ragged ink-blue cloud was enshrouding the eastern portion of the butte. The fringes of it tore apart. They mended themselves; then they tore apart again."

This plus Slonaker's dry wit and quiet humor (as evidenced by his bio on this site) and his ability to describe complex relationships with great warmth, depth, and insight makes this must-read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book with the mysterious title snuck up and had me first perplexed, then curious and soon eager to know the next turn of events. Slonaker has plucked some quintessential newsroom types for his main characters. Who can’t sympathize with his wry, quick-witted and reserved ex-reporter, who’s pitted against an astute young journalist prone to occasional malapropisms? (I especially appreciated that the assertive and entertaining Thao is a non-stereotypical Asian immigrant woman, whose character is not defined by her race.) Slonaker’s ear for voice and dialogue make you feel you understand his characters — or do we? He offers up just enough to keep us turning pages. Hang on til the unexpected ending.

[Bob Evancho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly enjoyable, skillfully written and delightfully droll, Slonaker’s superb novel masterfully blends the history and geography of America’s sweeping, rugged Big Sky country with a captivating story of a former newspaperman’s attempt to escape the tragic remains of his previous life — and a female reporter’s dogged pursuit to find answers about his past.

[Joe · Rating 1 out of 5]

nonsensical plot, silly characters, absolutely ridiculous ending. 'nuff said.

[Emily Meacham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written and fascinating mystery with ties to San Jose, CA, and Montana. I enjoyed it thoroughly!